A transgender woman was arrested last month for attempting to use a women’s restroom at the Florida State Capitol building, according to the Tampa Bay Times. This incident may mark the first arrest under the state’s laws prohibiting transgender individuals from using restrooms and other facilities that align with their gender identity.

Marcy Rheintgen, a 20-year-old resident of Illinois, was apprehended by Capitol police and charged with trespassing after she attempted to enter the women’s restroom at the State Capitol. In hopes of making a symbolic statement, the transgender college student had informed police and lawmakers in advance of her intentions. She provided them with a photograph of her identification and specified the restroom she planned to use.

Rheintgen Speaks Out

“I know that you know in your heart that this law is wrong and unjust,” Rheintgen said in the letter. On March 19, police approached her at the Capitol in an attempt to dissuade her from proceeding with her plans. However, Rheintgen went ahead and tried to use the restroom, resulting in her arrest.

Initially, the officers informed Rheintgen that they would issue a notice to appear before a judge and allow her to go free. However, they later deemed her unsuitable for release after she became “sassy,” expressing interest that she might attempt to use the restroom again, as detailed in the arrest affidavit. Rheintgen spent the night in custody and was released the next day. 

She mentioned that she did not expect to be arrested and now regrets the entire experience, according to the Times. “I got arrested, and I got sent to jail because of Gov. DeSantis’s policies – like that’s crazy, that’s crazy,” Rheintgen said. Florida has enacted a number of anti-LGBTQ+ “don’t say gay” laws, including one prohibiting transgender individuals from using restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping facilities that align with their gender identity in government and other public institutions.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?